> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://whalescorp.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Glossary

| Term | Definition |
| :- | :- |
| **TON** | [Toncoin (TON)](https://ton.org/) is the native cryptocurrency of [The Open Network (TON)](https://ton.org/), a decentralized blockchain created for fast transactions and convenient integration with the [Telegram](https://telegram.org/) ecosystem. |
| **Gas** | Transaction fees required to execute operations on a blockchain network, used to compensate validators for processing and validating transactions |
| **Proof-of-Stake (PoS)** | A consensus algorithm that uses token collateral instead of computing power: validators lock their tokens as a stake to participate in block production and earn rewards. |
| **Proof-of-Work (PoW)** | A consensus algorithm where network participants compete to solve complex cryptographic puzzles using computing power to gain the right to add a new block and receive a reward. |
| **Staking** | The process of locking tokens to support the operation and security of the network in exchange for rewards. |
| **Mining** | The process in which computers solve complex problems to add a new block to the blockchain. The first to solve the problem receives a reward in the form of cryptocurrency and transaction fees. |
| **Validator** | A node (server) in a blockchain that verifies and adds blocks, locking its own coins as collateral (stake). |
| **Nominator** | A participant who delegates their tokens to a validator in order to take part in staking and share in the rewards. |
| **Staking pool** | A group of participants who combine their TON for joint staking to increase the chances of earning rewards and to lower the entry threshold. |
| **Cycle** | A fixed time period of 36 hours during which validators in the [TON network](https://ton.org/en) perform block validation and production, after which rewards are calculated and distributed among staking participants. |
| **Voting** | The decision-making process by TON validators to change blockchain configuration parameters, including the number of validators and other system settings. |
| **Queue** | An independent group of staking participants within a single pool, formed to optimize user experience in TON’s two-cycle system. Each staking pool operates two queues offset by 18 hours. |
| **Smart contract** | A program that automatically executes and enforces agreement conditions on a blockchain. Its code is stored and executed on the network, without intermediaries, according to predefined rules. |
| **Blockchain** | A distributed database consisting of a chain of blocks, each containing a cryptographic link to the previous one |


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